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Welcoming the Future: Accepted Student Day Brings New Lightning Together
Sage Hill School celebrated a milestone in welcoming its newest families for Accepted Student Day & Pep Rally, which for the first time included students accepted for seventh, eighth and ninth grades on Tuesday, March 3.
The day marked a significant step forward for the independent school as it prepares to open its Middle School program. After a multi-year campaign, Sage Hill expanded its academic program to fulfill its founders’ vision for a 7-12 grade school.
The morning started with school leaders and student ambassadors welcoming accepted upper school families. Under a canopy of orange, red, blue and green ribbons, the upper school then enjoyed a high-energy pep rally in the gym, where accepted ninth grade and transfer students joined the broader Sage Hill community for the first time as future Lightning.
Student Council leaders, grade level competitions and performing arts groups including Jazz Band, Sage Hill Dance Team and Synergy Dance Ensemble energized the crowd.
“Seeing our accepted students join the community for the pep rally was a powerful moment,” said Head of School Patricia Merz. “The energy in the gym captured the spirit of belonging and school pride that defines Sage Hill. It was meaningful to welcome future Lightning into that tradition for the first time.”
Newly accepted upper school students also experienced a rotation of class sessions with various teachers before concluding their morning with a fun food truck lunch.
But the day wasn’t over yet. As the upper school accepted students departed campus midday, our new crop of accepted middle school students arrived on campus for their celebration.
In a first for Sage Hill, newly accepted seventh- and eighth-grade students enjoyed eating lunch together and were oriented to academics during sessions with several upper and middle school faculty members.
“After planning this expansion for several years, I find it incredibly rewarding to welcome our inaugural middle school classes into our school community,” said Peter Jordan, Director of Admission and Financial Aid. “This year’s Accepted Student Day was double the fun and was an unforgettable memory that signals an exciting future for Sage Hill.”
The afternoon ended with accepted middle schoolers eating cookies near the site of the new middle school building before being reunited with their families.
With the middle school’s inaugural classes set to arrive in August 2026, Accepted Student Day underscored a landmark moment for Sage Hill.
Sage Hill School
A college preparatory independent day school for grades 7-12.
20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Phone: 949.219.0100 | Fax: 949.219.1399
20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Phone: 949.219.0100 | Fax: 949.219.1399
Sage Hill School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other School administered programs.